AK-EF3 Submerged Arc Welding Wire for High-Strength Low Alloy Steels.
A low-alloy high-strength submerged arc welding wire with low sulfur and phosphorus content, designed for critical applications in nuclear power, boilers, and pressure vessels.
Product Overview
AK-EF3 is a submerged arc welding wire formulated for high-strength low alloy steels. It features low sulfur and phosphorus content, contributing to improved mechanical properties and weld metal cleanliness.
When used with AKJ616 flux, it is suitable for submerged arc welding of ASME SA508 Gr.3 Class 1, 13MnNiMoR, and other high-performance steels used in nuclear power, boiler, and pressure vessel construction.
The wire meets EN ISO 26304-B:S 62A P 4 FB SUN2M33, AWS A5.23 F9A/P4-EF3, and GB/T 36034 S 62A P 4 FB-SUN2M33 standards, ensuring compatibility with international welding specifications.
Application: With AKJ616 flux, it is suitable for submerged arc welding of nuclear power, boiler, pressure vessel ASME SA508 Gr.3 Class 1, 13MnNiMoR and other steels.
Key Benefits
Low S and P Content for Clean Weld Metal.
Sulfur and phosphorus are limited to ≤0.030 percent, reducing the risk of hot cracking and improving toughness in the deposited metal.
High Tensile and Yield Strength.
The wire delivers tensile strength between 620 MPa and 760 MPa, with yield stress of at least 540 MPa, meeting the demands of high-stress structural applications.
Excellent Impact Toughness at Low Temperature.
Impact values of at least 27 J at minus 40 degrees C ensure reliable performance in cold environments, critical for pressure vessel and nuclear applications.
Good Elongation for Ductility.
Elongation of at least 20 percent provides sufficient ductility to resist brittle fracture under service loads.
Where It Is Used
- Submerged arc welding of ASME SA508 Gr.3 Class 1 steel in nuclear power plant components.
- Welding of pressure vessels and boiler shells made from 13MnNiMoR and similar high-strength low alloy steels.
- Critical structural joints requiring high strength and low-temperature toughness.
Who It Is For
- Welding consumable distributors supplying materials for high-integrity fabrication.
- Pressure vessel and boiler manufacturers requiring certified welding wire for code-compliant joints.
- Nuclear and energy sector contractors working with high-strength low alloy steels.
Problems It Solves
- Achieving consistent mechanical properties in weld metal when joining high-strength low alloy steels such as 13MnNiMoR and ASME SA508 Gr.3 Class 1.
- Reducing the risk of weld defects from impurities by using wire with controlled sulfur and phosphorus levels.
- Meeting low-temperature impact requirements without compromising strength or ductility in critical joints.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-EF3. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification 1 | EN ISO 26304-B:S 62A P 4 FB SUN2M33 |
| Classification 2 | AWS A5.23 F9A/P4-EF3 |
| Classification 3 | GB/T 36034 S 62A P 4 FB-SUN2M33 |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.17 |
| Si | 0.80 |
| Mn | 1.25-2.25 |
| S | ≤0.030 |
| P | ≤0.030 |
| Ni | 0.70-1.10 |
| Mo | 0.40-0.65 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 620-760 |
| Yield Stress (MPa) | ≥540 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥20J |
| Impact values (J) | ≥27J/-40℃ |
Technical Features
- Chemical composition includes C: 0.17%, Si: 0.80%, Mn: 1.25-2.25%, S: ≤0.030%, P: ≤0.030%, Ni: 0.70-1.10%, Mo: 0.40-0.65%
- Deposited metal tensile strength: 620-760 MPa, yield stress: ≥540 MPa, elongation: ≥20%
- Impact toughness: ≥27 J at minus 40 degrees C.
- Complies with EN ISO 26304-B:S 62A P 4 FB SUN2M33, AWS A5.23 F9A/P4-EF3, and GB/T 36034 S 62A P 4 FB-SUN2M33.
Use Guide
- Use AKJ616 flux in conjunction with AK-EF3 wire for optimal weld metal properties and slag removal.
- Ensure base metal surfaces are clean and free of oil, rust, and moisture before welding.
- Follow recommended welding parameters for the specific joint configuration and thickness.
- Store wire in dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption; re-bake if exposed to humid environments.
How It Compares
AK-EF3 is a high-strength low alloy submerged arc welding wire designed for demanding applications. It differs from general-purpose wires by its controlled chemical composition and high impact toughness at low temperatures. It is not intended for use with fluxes other than AKJ616, as performance may vary. For lower strength applications, a standard carbon steel wire may be sufficient, but it would not meet the mechanical requirements of ASME SA508 Gr.3 Class 1 or 13MnNiMoR.
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Other welding wire in the same family.
AK-EF3 Questions
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